Insider: Man United plan to accelerate contract talks with 'crucial' star
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(Credit: Imago) Man United accelerate Bruno Fernandes contract talks as Michael Carrick keen to agree deal Wed 22 April 2026 7:00, UK Manchester United are planning to accelerate contract talks with Bruno Fernandes between now and the end of the season to keep him at the club.The 31-year-old’s current deal at Old Trafford is set to run until 2027, although the club retain the option to extend his stay by an additional year.However, they are keen to see him commit his long-term future to the club amid ongoing speculation that a summer move could be on the cards.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils hope to reach an agreement with Fernandes before the World Cup.Saudi Pro League interest in the Portugal international remains strong, but his form at Old Trafford means Man United are determined to block his exit. 🔄 Man United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signing scoops, departures, and contract news from the United boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES How does Michael Carrick feel about Bruno Fernandes?Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United are doing everything to keep Fernandes as they are now extremely reluctant to let him go this summer.The attacking midfielder is on course to at least match the Premier League assist record, having already set up 18 goals, with two needed in his next five games.Bruno FernandesPremier League Stats 2025-26Appearances30Starts30Minutes Played2618Goals8Assists18Bruno Fernandes’ Premier League stats in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)His performances under Michael Carrick have been especially impressive, and the boss is keen to keep his talisman around should he land the permanent job.“Man United want Fernandes to sign a new contract,” Brown told Football Insider.“Ideally, it would be done before the World Cup, so that he can immediately return with his full focus on Man United and not on speculation.“It’s good news that they want to keep him now, because it wasn’t certain before and they even considered letting him leave last year.“It was outrageous and symptomatic of the types of decisions INEOS have made since taking over at Man United, they couldn’t see how important he was to the side.“That is now impossible to ignore, because Fernandes has been fantastic this season and under Michael Carrick, who is determined to keep him around.“If Carrick does land the permanent job, he wants to make sure the club keep hold of Fernandes, because he’s shown already how crucial he is to the side.”Could Man United consider selling Bruno Fernandes?United’s updated stance on Fernandes comes as a complete U-turn from last summer, when they were open to offers for the Portugal international.Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United had plans to sell Fernandes last summer, and considered accepting an offer from the Saudi Pro League.Credit: ImagoFernandes himself confessed he had felt like the club were trying to force him out after he turned down a move to Al-Hilal in favour of staying at Old Trafford.Interest from the Middle East has lingered since last summer, while European clubs including Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on him.However, United’s stance has now changed, with no plans in place to allow him to leave as he remains a crucial part of their ambitions for the future. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man United Insider Access Get the full story from Old Trafford and Carrington with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Old Trafford.